Canadian Ravens make impression
Canada was thumped 88-0 by defending champion Australia in group play at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup and chances are it will be another tough day at the office this weekend when the two meet in the semifinal.
But whatever happens Sunday at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Sydney, Australia, the tournament is already a success for the fledgling Canada Ravens.
The Canadian women had played only three matches — ever — before the World Cup. And they were against club sides.
Canada coach Mike Castle, a transplanted Brit based on Aus- tralia’s Gold Coast, assembled a roster long on rugby union experience but short on rugby league knowledge. But he liked its athleticism and desire to learn.
“Who knows? I think we might turn a few heads,” Castle said before Canada’s opening game against three-time champion New Zealand on Nov. 16.
The Canadian women held the Kiwis to a 16-4 lead at the half before being overwhelmed in the second half, losing their international debut 50-4.
They bounced back three days later to score a historic 22-8 victory over Papua New Guinea.
And despite the lopsided loss to Australia Wednesday, the lone win was enough to move Canada into the semifinals at the six-team event running in conjunction with the 14-team men’s World Cup.
“We’ve definitely had some ups and downs. But more ups than downs, which is good,” Castle said.
Canada rested Andrea Burk, Mackenzie Fane, Nina Bui and several others for the first Australia game.
“I think it will excite everybody to have those players back,” Castle said. “I think we approach it exactly the same as we have done every game, really. We’re going in there to learn, enjoy ourselves and work hard for each other.”
Natalie Tam, taken off on a stretcher in the Papua New Guinea game after being knocked out making a tackle, has recovered and is available for selection Sunday.
However, Canada centre Janai Haupapa will miss the semifinal after receiving a two-game suspension for biting. The victim was Jillaroos co-captain Renae Kunst in the group match.
Castle called the action “out-ofcharacter” for his player.